Tirta Empul is built around a natural spring that wells up from the ground and feeds the temple's pools. It was founded around 960 AD, and Balinese Hindus have treated the water as holy ever since. You can watch the source bubbling up in the inner courtyard before it runs out to the bathing pools where the rituals take place.
At the row of stone spouts, worshippers move from fountain to fountain, cleansing body and mind in the melukat ritual. Visitors are welcome to take part; we can arrange a sarong and explain the etiquette so you can join respectfully. Stepping into the line with cool spring water running over you turns the visit from sightseeing into something you share.
Beyond the pools, the temple opens into quiet courtyards with koi ponds and finely carved stone shrines and gates. It is an active place of worship, so you will often see local families arriving with offerings. In Balinese belief, many bathe in the melukat spring first to cleanse themselves, then enter the inner temple to pray and leave an offering, receiving the blessing that follows. Mornings are calmer, modest dress is required and a sarong is provided, and it is worth wandering the quieter corners once the ritual is done.
Private car, driver and fuel. You pay entrance tickets at each gate as you go - handy if you like to skip a stop.
The whole day prepaid, with entrance tickets for the listed stops included. Nothing to pay at the gates.
We pick you up from your hotel or villa in the Ubud area at the time you choose. Your driver shares their details the day before.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and some cash for entrance tickets (Standard) and lunch along the way.
Temples ask for a sarong, arranged at the gate. A few stops have stairs or a short walk. The route is flexible - linger or skip as you like.
Book and pay online by card or PayPal; a $10 deposit holds your date and you settle the rest at the end of the day. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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